09 March 2026
SDS roundtable discusses equality in Scottish apprenticeships
A roundtable brought together stakeholders from across Scotland to discuss progress on recommendations from the SAAB Gender Commission and the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Commission on Race in Apprenticeships. The CDI was represented by our new Scotland Associate, Uuganaa Ramsay.
The session focused on strengthening collaboration across the apprenticeship system and identifying coordinated action to address persistent inequalities. Participants included representatives from employers, education providers, government agencies and the third sector.
Discussions drew on research from both commissions. Insights highlighted how gender stereotypes can form early in life and influence career pathways. Everyday behaviours, such as praising young children as ‘pretty girls’ or ‘strong boys’, as well as practices like gender reveal celebrations, can reinforce expectations that later shape subject choices and career confidence.
Evidence from the SAAB Gender Commission shows that occupational segregation remains across apprenticeship sectors, with some still dominated by one gender. Employers were identified as key to challenging this through inclusive recruitment, workplace culture and earlier engagement with young people.
The SDS Commission on Race in Apprenticeships also highlighted barriers faced by minority ethnic young people, including lower awareness of apprenticeships, more limited networks and perceptions that academic routes are the preferred pathway. However, participation has improved, with the proportion of Modern Apprenticeship starts from minority ethnic groups increasing in recent years.
Research also showed that young people want more direct insights from employers about career pathways, including blogs, podcasts and other digital content that share real experiences of apprenticeships and working life.
Participants reflected on progress already underway, including inclusive recruitment guidance, professional development for learning providers and initiatives to engage young people earlier in their career journeys. The discussion also explored what further action is needed, how progress could be measured and what changes should be visible over the next two years to demonstrate real impact.
Read the recommendations from the SAAB Gender Commission and the SDS Commission on Race in Apprenticeships.
The session focused on strengthening collaboration across the apprenticeship system and identifying coordinated action to address persistent inequalities. Participants included representatives from employers, education providers, government agencies and the third sector.
Discussions drew on research from both commissions. Insights highlighted how gender stereotypes can form early in life and influence career pathways. Everyday behaviours, such as praising young children as ‘pretty girls’ or ‘strong boys’, as well as practices like gender reveal celebrations, can reinforce expectations that later shape subject choices and career confidence.
Evidence from the SAAB Gender Commission shows that occupational segregation remains across apprenticeship sectors, with some still dominated by one gender. Employers were identified as key to challenging this through inclusive recruitment, workplace culture and earlier engagement with young people.
The SDS Commission on Race in Apprenticeships also highlighted barriers faced by minority ethnic young people, including lower awareness of apprenticeships, more limited networks and perceptions that academic routes are the preferred pathway. However, participation has improved, with the proportion of Modern Apprenticeship starts from minority ethnic groups increasing in recent years.
Research also showed that young people want more direct insights from employers about career pathways, including blogs, podcasts and other digital content that share real experiences of apprenticeships and working life.
Participants reflected on progress already underway, including inclusive recruitment guidance, professional development for learning providers and initiatives to engage young people earlier in their career journeys. The discussion also explored what further action is needed, how progress could be measured and what changes should be visible over the next two years to demonstrate real impact.
Read the recommendations from the SAAB Gender Commission and the SDS Commission on Race in Apprenticeships.
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